Chapter 2

"Very well, I have already cultivated the first few layers successfully. I only lack the last three layers of the secret incantation that the senior has kept secret all along." Han Li did not intend to hide anything and replied frankly.

"You have cultivated the first four layers? I don’t believe it. I need to check." The golden figure lowered his head and pondered for a moment before decisively raising his head to ask.

"That’s easy. I will demonstrate the techniques of the fourth layer of the Great Derivation Decree. Once you see it, you will know." Han Li smiled.

"Fine, then demonstrate it for me to see." The golden figure did not appear to be putting on any airs.

Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately made a hand seal with one hand, pointed a finger at the golden void, and simultaneously uttered the three words "Spirit Piercing Stab."

The voice was not loud!

However, upon hearing these words, the golden figure's expression changed, and his body instantly burst into a layer of pale silver light. After trembling a few times, it returned to normal.

"Spirit Piercing Stab! I didn’t expect you to have cultivated even this mental secret technique. Judging by its power, it is indeed the full power of the fourth layer of the Great Derivation Decree. But my Seven Emotions Decree was specifically designed to deal with Core Formation cultivators. Even later-stage cultivators cannot avoid it. Why are you unharmed?" The golden figure first showed a complex expression, then recalled something and asked.

"Hehe, this is simple. Han Li’s Core Formation was not affected by the Seven Emotions Decree. Instead, something else blocked it." Han Li chuckled, and with one hand, he wiped his crown, from which a black mist emerged. After a spin, it transformed into a black Core Formation that looked exactly like Han Li, but appeared quite haggard and listless.

"Second Core Formation? How is this possible? Your cultivation is only recently at the Core Formation stage. How could you have the strength to immediately cultivate a second Core Formation?" The golden figure was greatly surprised upon seeing this.

"Senior has keen eyes. I have indeed only recently condensed my Core Formation, but I have had some fortunate opportunities, which allowed me to cultivate this Core Formation. Senior, I have answered your questions. Can you now teach me the remaining layers of the Great Derivation Decree?" Han Li lightly coughed and then asked with deep meaning.

"The Great Derivation Decree is a unique technique that I painstakingly created. You don’t seem to be one of my former disciples. Why should I teach you the remaining incantations?" The golden figure took a deep breath, and his face suddenly turned cold.

"Senior, in your current state, it seems you have little room for negotiation." Han Li looked the golden figure up and down, a smile playing on his lips.

"Hehe, if you want to destroy this bit of my divine soul, go ahead. I’ve lived long enough, and I’m already tired of life. Besides, even if you don’t act, with my current soul strength, I can’t live for many more years." The Great Derivation Divine Lord said coldly.

"Senior, are you so stubborn? Do you think Han Li doesn’t know the soul-searching technique?" Han Li’s face darkened, and his voice became somewhat stern.

"Soul-searching technique! Do you think I would be afraid of such a minor technique? I can create a mental secret technique like the Great Derivation Decree. What can a mere soul-searching technique do to me? At worst, I can immediately self-destruct my divine soul." The Great Derivation Divine Lord yawned, appearing completely unconcerned.

Upon hearing this, Han Li was truly speechless. Although the old monster was now just a divine soul with almost no magical power, he was exceptionally skilled in mental secret techniques. If he really forced the issue, he might not be able to get what he wanted from him.

"Senior, why be so stubborn! I have always believed that there is nothing in this world that cannot be exchanged, it’s just a matter of whether the price is high enough." Han Li’s face returned to a calm expression, and he spoke slowly.

"Exchange? I don’t see anything that could interest me." The golden figure crossed his arms and looked at Han Li indifferently.

"I wonder if this item interests you." Han Li pondered for a moment, then flipped his hand, and a black light flashed in his palm, suddenly revealing a foot-long strange piece of wood.

This wood was scorched and rough, with many pits, making it extremely ugly.

"Nourishing Soul Wood! You have such a spiritual item!" The originally indifferent Great Derivation Divine Lord immediately showed an extremely delighted expression upon seeing the wood.

"Nourishing Soul Wood can not only prevent the leakage of your soul power but also gradually nourish and strengthen your soul. It should be very suitable for you in your current state." Han Li gently held the item in his hand and said confidently.

"This wood can indeed delay my demise, but my divine soul has already lost too much. Even with this item’s nourishment, I can only live for a few more decades at most. Just this item alone is not enough for me to teach you the remaining layers of the Great Derivation Decree." The Great Derivation Divine Lord, transformed into a small figure, hesitated for a long time before shaking his head.

This response clearly caught Han Li off guard, causing him to frown. After a moment, his eyes flashed, and he said:

"What exactly do you require to teach me the technique? I don’t think you are someone who wants to die. Besides the Nourishing Soul Wood, you can name any other conditions, and as long as I can fulfill them, I will not refuse."

"It seems you already know that the Great Derivation Decree can help break through cultivation bottlenecks. Hehe, since that’s the case, it’s not impossible to teach you this technique. However, in addition to using the Nourishing Soul Wood to create a soul-nourishing magical tool for me, you need to help me with two more things." The Great Derivation Divine Lord chuckled and became less formal.

"Please speak, Divine Lord!" Han Li remained unperturbed.

"From your appearance, it seems you know a lot about me. You should know that besides the Great Derivation Decree, I was also most skilled in puppetry and was once so obsessed with it that I couldn’t extricate myself, which is why I ended up in this situation." The Great Derivation Divine Lord spoke slowly, his expression uncertain.

Han Li listened without showing any signs of impatience, as the key points in the other’s words had not yet been revealed.

"In recent years, while I had nothing to do, I made significant breakthroughs in puppetry and combined my knowledge to create an ultimate puppet. Its power should be comparable to that of a Core Formation cultivator. Unfortunately, due to a lack of materials, I have never been able to create it, which has been a constant regret for me. I hope that after we leave, you can collect these materials and create this puppet, fulfilling my long-held wish." The Great Derivation Divine Lord said solemnly.

"A puppet comparable to a Core Formation cultivator. The value of these materials must be considerable." Han Li was inwardly shocked but did not show it on his face as he asked.

"Indeed. Hmph, but once this puppet is created, it will ultimately belong to you. No matter how expensive it is, it will be an investment in yourself. What’s the problem with that?" The Great Derivation Divine Lord huffed.

"If that’s the case, I can agree. Please state the other condition, Senior." Han Li weighed the matter in his mind and agreed without hesitation.

"The other condition is much simpler. Although I have been trapped for many years, I know that the Thousand Bamboo Sect has likely changed beyond recognition. Whether it is still led by my former disciples is uncertain. I cannot pass on my knowledge to them, but I don’t want my lineage to be cut off. Therefore, I need you to find a person with excellent aptitude and pass on my lineage’s techniques to them." The Great Derivation Divine Lord took a deep breath and said.

"Haha, this condition is naturally no problem. I also agree." Han Li laughed heartily upon hearing this.

"Since that’s the case, this deal is sealed. Once you create the soul-nourishing magical tool, I will teach you the first layer of the Great Derivation Decree, and then we will leave this place together." The Great Derivation Divine Lord took a deep breath and said slowly.

Han Li naturally had no objections.

A few days later, Han Li walked out of the secret room door, carrying a foot-long yellow bamboo tube, and strode away.

A gentle breeze blew, and faint voices could be heard.

"Hehe, I didn’t expect to see the light of day again."

"Senior, it’s best to keep your voice down. This place is the former forbidden area of the Thousand Bamboo Sect. If your descendants hear you, it will cause trouble."

"Hmph, with your cultivation, those brats can’t do anything to you. Besides, they are not really mine..."

The voices grew fainter and eventually disappeared with the wind.

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**End of Chapter**